Noncredit Programs and Courses
Noncredit Programs and Courses
Noncredit education is designed to support a student's growth through enhancing academic skills, personal development and employment opportunities through a variety of classes ranging from basic skills Math and English to employability skills, vocational preparation and job retraining. Enrollment in noncredit courses is free and continues throughout the school year. Noncredit courses follow the same curriculum approval process used for credit courses, and all classes are taught by qualified instructors
- Agriculture
- Applied Technology and Employability Business Essentials
- Applied Technology and Employability Career Exploration
- Applied Technology and Employability Mathematics
- Applied Technology and Employability Principles of Technology
- Applied Technology and Employability Writing
- Assistive Computer Technology
- Automotive Career Education
- Business
- Cognitively Diverse Learners
- Educational Assistance Center
- English
- English as a Second Language
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Police Science
Agriculture
This course is a general HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) training designed for individuals working in the food industry who want to earn a HACCP certification. This HACCP training course teaches participants how to implement and manage the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, which was designed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food safety management system for controlling food hazards. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn a certificate of completion from the International HACCP Alliance. This HACCP Certificate will be recognized domestically and internationally by food safety inspectors and auditors.
This course is a training in produce safety designed for individuals working in the produce industry. The course is especially relevant for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations § 112.22(c) which requires that at least one responsible party on a farm has completed food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.
This course will provide participants with the knowledge to implement the requirements of the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for "Importers of Food for Humans and Animals” regulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulation is one of a number of regulations and guidance documents that implement the provisions of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which focuses on safe food practices.
This course is intended for individuals working in the food industry seeking to meet the requirements for a human food Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certificate. The Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation (referred to as the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation) is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/processing, packing and holding of food products for human consumption in the United States. The regulation requires that certain activities must be completed by a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls.
This course is intended for individuals working in the food industry seeking to meet the requirements for an animal food Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certificate. The Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals (referred to as the Preventive Controls for Animal Food regulation) is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/processing, packing, and holding of food products for animal consumption in the United States. The regulation requires that certain activities must be completed by a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls.
This is an introductory course in food safety for those majoring in agriculture and/or working in food safety related careers or industries. The course covers conditions and practices that cause food borne illnesses, organisms responsible for food borne illnesses, elements of a food safety control system, and worker sanitation. The course focus is on establishing good agricultural practices (GAP) in food safety as they relate to the production of farm products, including specific guidelines for key agricultural commodities, state and federal regulations, and food safety monitoring. Students will learn to create standard operating procedures (SOP) associated with employee training and the safe production, transportation, and processing of food. Best practices in the retail and home kitchen environments will also be covered.
This course covers the creation and documentation of key elements in a food safety program, including: evaluating current practices, creating and implementing key aspects of a food safety program, and recognizing and documenting pathogen behavior. This course also covers food safety issues and concerns in processing and manufacturing facilities, including: facility sanitation, recognizing potential hazards, analysis of problems in the cold chain, developing improved practices, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) principles, employee training, and the inspection process.
This course is designed to give the student a better understanding of the issues involved in the regulation of foods and a general understanding of the full scope of food safety laws in the United States. The course covers the laws regulating the production, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of food products in the United States. Topics include the regulation of labeling, food safety, genetic modification, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), inspections, importation, enforcement, and many other issues of concern in the regulation of food in the United States.
This course is taught primarily in Spanish and aimed at current agriculture laborers or those interested in becoming crew leaders in both agriculture field and facility settings. The course covers human resource management skills, laws regulating agricultural production, and the use of labor in agriculture. Topics include basic human resource management, hiring, required labor documentation, applicable labor laws, wages, and the rights of agricultural laborers. Likewise, effective communication, conflict resolution, negotiation and leadership strategies will be discussed. The course is designed especially for agricultural field supervisors to provide a better understanding of effective management and leadership practices for successful oversight of labor within the production setting.
This course is taught primarily in Spanish and aimed at current agriculture laborers or those interested in becoming crew leaders in both agriculture field and facility settings. The course covers laws regulating agricultural production and the use of labor in agriculture. Topics include agricultural exemptions from labor laws, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, and the rights of agricultural laborers. Likewise, specific regulations and laws governing agricultural production in California will be discussed. The course is designed especially for agricultural field supervisors to provide them with a better understanding of the issues involved in the regulation of agricultural production and labor within the production setting.
Applied Technology and Employability Business Essentials
This course enables the student to identify and strengthen the assets and attributes necessary for gaining and maintaining employment. The course focuses on employment preparation, employer expectations, the working environment, and proper workplace behavior and attire. In this course students will demonstrate appropriate attire for the workplace, demonstrate time management, explain their understanding of drug and alcohol (DOT) testing, complete an application, prepare a resume, perform a successful interview, and demonstrate understanding of appropriate workplace behavior. May be repeated. No credit awarded.
This course covers the skills which are essential to working in any type of business. It is intended to emphasize skills which enrich employees by strengthening their employability and increasing their promotional value. In this course students will learn business communication strategies, planning and organization, decision-making and problem-solving, conflict resolution, computer use for business tasks, business calculations, and risk management. May be repeated. No credit awarded.
Applied Technology and Employability Career Exploration
This course provides students with insights for career exploration and development. It lays the groundwork for self-evaluation and discovery for the types of career pathways available and appropriate for the individual. The course will facilitate self-appraisal for matching interests and personal talents with appropriate career choices. In this course students will determine career goals based on self-assessment and exploration, and develop effective career planning strategies. May be repeated. No credit awarded.
Applied Technology and Employability Mathematics
This course is designed to present mathematics topics which are necessary for success in multiple career pathways, such as business, manufacturing, arts and entertainment, electronics, and various applied sciences. May be repeated. No credit awarded.
Applied Technology and Employability Principles of Technology
This course offers a survey of principles of technology and industrial techniques for the use of mechanical, fluid, electrical, thermal, and other forces. It includes the identification of common manufacturing applications and uses. In this course, students will learn about sketching technical problems, mechanical force and its use in industrial applications, mechanical advantage used in modern industry, and the technology of mechanical force, advantage, and technical processes. May be repeated. No credit awarded.
This course is a survey of the principles of technical systems, tools, and machines. It includes the study of manufacturing processes and tools, and the application of these tools in a manufacturing setting. Simple machines and the modern tools of technology will be covered. In this course, students will learn to describe and select tools appropriate for producing products and doing work, follow safe operating protocols, identify common machines and tools, and describe the typical manufacturing process applications and uses of computer controlled machine tools. May be repeated. Credit not awarded.
Applied Technology and Employability Writing
This course covers the writing skills that are essential to working in any type of business. Emphasis is on the composition skills that are necessary for employees to strengthen their employability and increase their promotional value. The course will cover the formatting and grammar required for composing cover letters, email messages, notes, memos, and letters of resignation. The course also includes digital ethics and responsibility. In this course, students will learn to compose an email message, draft a memo, compose a resignation letter, write a note, draft a cover letter, write a personal statement, and write a business letter. May be repeated. Credit not awarded.
Assistive Computer Technology
This course is designed to teach students basic keyboarding computer skills, techniques, and assistive computer technology that will enable them to be successful in accessing the computer. Students will review ergonomics, software that will accommodate students with disabilities (such as Kurzweil 3000, JAWS, Read & Write), and other assistive technology tools. Students will utilize and practice skills in individualized weekly typing tutorials and MS Word assignments that will focus on developing keyboarding skills and mastery of assistive computer software.
This course is designed to teach students basic computer skills and assistive computer technology that will enable them to be successful in utilizing various industry standard platforms, such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs. Students will review software that accommodates students with disabilities, such as Kurzweil 3000, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and TextHelp. In addition, they will be introduced to other assistive computer technology tools and alternative applications. Students will practice skills in individualized weekly computer oriented assignments that will focus on developing better awareness of assistive computer technology skills, tools, and software and their application in the home and work environment. This is a non-credit course, non-degree applicable.
This course is designed to teach students computer skills, techniques, and assistive computer technology that will enable them to successfully complete writing projects at home and in the workplace. Students will review English basics, including grammar, sentence structure, composition, and writing skills. Focus will be on introducing software that will accommodate students with disabilities (such as Kurzweil 3000, Read and Write, Inspiration, and MS Word). Students will utilize and practice skills in individualized writing assignments that will focus on writing skills.
Automotive Career Education
This non-credit course provides the basic knowledge and skills to service, adjust, and repair engine performance and emissions systems as related to the Smog Check Inspection Program. The course meets the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Inspector Level 1 certification requirements. This is a noncredit course, non-degree applicable.
This non-credit course provides students with the procedural skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform Smog Check Inspections. The course meets the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Inspector Level 2 certification requirements.
This course provides students with current and emerging emissions control and smog inspection technology updates. On-Board Diagnostics II, emissions systems, and diagnostic test equipment are emphasized. This is a noncredit course, not degree applicable.
Business
This course introduces Microsoft Word. Students will learn to create, edit, and format various business documents such as letters, memos, forms, reports, newsletters, and templates. Integration of images, use of macros, tables, labels, mail merge, and creation of forms will also be covered. The emphasis is on tasks typically required in an office or business environment. The skills taught in this course are fundamental to success in careers in business, accounting, marketing, management, and medical assisting.
This course provides a foundation of the knowledge and skills needed for creating and using spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel. Students will learn how to create, edit, and format spreadsheets. Topics will include formulas, functions, pivot tables, sorting, and filtering in worksheets. The course is designed to provide the fundamental skills needed for application in an office or business environment. The skills taught in this course are fundamental to success in careers in business, accounting, marketing, and management.
In this course, students will learn how to use a powerful graphics presentation program to create effective presentations for business or for college courses using Microsoft PowerPoint. The course covers accepted standards for developing and formatting a presentation, use of design templates, and adding images, graphs and charts. Advanced topics include slide show enhancement using transitions, animation, sound, and hyperlinks.
This course introduces the basic skills needed to use a personal computer, including working with multiple windows, file management, Windows accessories, software applications, and computer safety. Use and features of productivity tools such as Outlook, Google Docs, and cloud services will also be covered.
Cognitively Diverse Learners
This course provides training in personal, social, and job skills for students who have developmental disabilities, autism, and/or significant cognitive deficits. Through role-playing and class discussion, students will develop the skills necessary for responsible independence and enhanced quality of life. Topics will include developing healthy relationships, values and decision making, sexuality, health, and personal protection and safety. In addition, students will be introduced to the interpersonal skills necessary in a job setting.
This basic personal and vocational finance course is designed for the student with developmental disabilities, autism, and/or significant cognitive deficits who is preparing for independent living and vocational training. Topics related to consumer finance will include basic mathematics, currency, budgeting, responsible spending and saving, shopping, banking, insurance, taxes, and consumer loans. In addition, students will review the financial and personal skills necessary in the workplace, such as the ability to access workplace software and technology, customer service, and appropriate workplace behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the application of financial concepts and skills in real-world situations.
Educational Assistance Center
Educational Assistance Center (EAC) courses are designed for students with disabilities.
This course is designed for persons with disabilities who wish to improve their job-seeking strategies. Topics will include: assessment of personal and work-related skills, job search and planning techniques, employee rights and responsibilities, interview techniques, applications, and resumes.
English
The student will learn to write grammatically correct sentences, to develop coherent paragraphs, and to read and analyze short passages as models for writing.
Critical reading course focusing on the effective use of critical thinking in a cross-disciplinary framework. Emphasis on the development of critical reading skills of interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of a variety of academic texts across disciplines.
English as a Second Language
This is a beginning course for non and limited English proficient students who want to acquire the communication skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. Integration of computer literacy, such as basic computer knowledge and keyboarding will help students build the basic skill set needed in the workplace, in school, and other aspects of their daily lives.
This is a high-beginning course for limited-English-proficient students who want to acquire the communication skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. Integration of computer literacy, such as basic computer knowledge, keyboarding, and use of applications will help students build the basic skill set needed in the workplace, in school, and other aspects of their daily lives.
This is an intermediate course for students who want to continue developing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. This course will focus on communication and critical thinking skills and will help students continue to develop computer literacy.
This is a high-intermediate course for limited-English proficient students who want to develop the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. Students will develop communication and critical thinking skills and continue to develop computer literacy.
Interdisciplinary Studies
This is an open-entry/open-exit supervised tutoring course that provides students assistance in understanding college course assignments. Individualized/small group tutoring sessions are conducted outside of class time in a learning assistance center, and are structured to help students achieve specific course objectives or improve learning and study skills in specific subject matter. The content of this course varies according to the course for which tutoring is sought.
Mathematics
This course reviews the core prerequisite skills, competencies, and concepts for college algebra. It is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in MATH V04, College Algebra. Just-in-time support topics include learning skills, computational skills developed in intermediate algebra, the vocabulary of algebra, translation from English to algebra, and evaluation of literal expressions and functions.
This course is a review of the core prerequisite skills, competencies, and concepts from arithmetic and algebra for Math for Elementary Teachers. It is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in MATH V38. Just-in-time support topics include understanding the basic concepts and operations involving the natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers; solving arithmetic and algebraic application problems; simplifying, evaluating, creating, and interpreting algebraic expressions; applying Polya’s problem solving principles; and applying effective learning skills for success in college.
This course is a review of the core prerequisite skills, competencies, and concepts from intermediate algebra for Math Topics. It is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in MATH V40. Just-in-time support topics include learning skills, computational skills developed in intermediate algebra, the vocabulary of algebra, translation from English to algebra, and evaluation of literal expressions and functions.
This course provides just-in-time support and review for transfer-level Statistics. Math V44J is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in Math V44. Topics include learning skills and just-in-time support for concepts from arithmetic, pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, and descriptive statistics that are needed to understand the basics of college-level statistics. Recommended for students with little or no recent knowledge of algebra.
Microbiology
This course is an introduction to the principles of food microbiology and food safety. The course investigates the beneficial and harmful effects of microorganisms on food, and includes a survey of the types of microbes found in various types of food, as well as methods for their detection. Evaluation of methods of microbial control and mechanisms of disease of important food microorganisms, as well as sources of food contamination, are presented. An examination of the implementation and effectiveness of food safety programs is also covered.
Police Science
This is a basic training course for new law enforcement officers which includes administration of justice, patrol procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, physical training, First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), traffic investigation, water safety, and driver training. This course covers the 910 hours required by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department POST Certification.
This course is an orientation for the P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Regular and Modular Academy training. Emphasis is placed on assisting the student in preparing for successful completion of the P.O.S.T. regular or modular academy training.
Certificates of Completion
- Agriculture Field Supervisor (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Food Safety (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Innovative Cognitive Achievement Network/Journey Overcoming Barriers (ICAN-JOB) (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Technology and Workplace Competencies (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion